No matter how clean your home is, Bed Bugs can hitchhike in on items from the outside world. There are some things that you can do to prevent them from finding suitable space inside your home to set up housekeeping.

 

Bed Bugs especially like to hide away in bedding, where it easy for them to stay close to their human food sources. You can use a protective cover to encase your mattress and box springs to prevent access by Bed Bugs. A quality cover that is resistant to tearing and treated by the manufacturer with safe pesticides designed to repel Bed Bugs can be very effective in keeping pests out of your bedding.  

 

It is essential not to let clothes or linens pile up on the floor. Bed Bugs often initially land on carpeting, where they can jump up onto these items or other clutter. Regular vacuum cleaning of all flooring can remove bugs that have recently arrived before they can find a good hiding place.  

Even the most elegant hotels can experience Bed Bug issues. There is no way of knowing if the person who occupied your room the previous day brought in luggage carrying Bed Bugs looking for a new living space.  

 

The first thing to do when you get to your hotel room is to get your luggage up on the luggage rack and then check the room for any signs of infestation. The sheets, bedding, and mattress skirts should be clean and free of any rust-colored spots. Look over the furniture and mattresses. Lift cushions and also look around the bed frame and headboard.  

 

Check out your luggage while it remains on the rack during your stay and before you leave. Keep the rack away from the walls and the bed. Bed Bugs often hide in headboards and in electrical outlets in addition to bedding.  

 

When you get home, unpack and inspect your luggage away from your bedroom or any linens. Wash everything you took with you, even the things you did not wear or use. Be sure that everything gets at least 15 minutes in your dryer on the highest heat setting.  

Also, consider using your own blankets for protecting furniture when moving rather than those provided by a moving or truck rental company. These commercial blankets may not be adequately cleaned and can be an ideal habitat for Bed Bugs.  

 

 

Clothing or other fabrics purchased at garage sales should be examined and then cleaned when you get home, in the same way, your travel clothes are cleaned. Even electronics and appliances should be checked. Bed Bugs will hide inside tiny cracks and spaces in these types of items when things are getting moved around before a sale.  

 

You should carefully examine any furniture, antiques, or other used items before you make a purchase, and then again at home before you bring the items inside.  

 

Handling packages at your home with a simple routine in mind can help prevent any risk of Bed Bugs coming inside your home in packaging or contents. When possible, open packages outdoors and leave the packaging and cardboard outside in your recycling or trash receptacles. After unpacking, check your items carefully and wipe them down. If you have any clothing or fabrics, clean them as you would your travel items when returning home.

 

We hope these tips help keep Bed Bugs out of your home. If you have any Bed Bug control questions, or are experiencing Bed Bug problems, contact Cook’s Pest Management today for a free inspection, and to get a quote for professional and effective Bed Bug treatment and control for your property.